Athletics News

June 6, 2016Huntington Beach, CA - June 6 - USA Water Polo mourns the loss of Dr. Barbara Kalbus who passed away over the weekend. A 1993 inductee into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame, Kalbus' impact on the sport was felt across the globe. A longtime manager for the Men's Senior National Team, Kalbus held a variety of leadership positions within USA Water Polo since the earliest days of the organization, including the title of President from 1980-1984. See the full list of accomplishments from her Hall of Fame induction by clicking here.

In addition to USA Water Polo she was heavily involved with NCAA Water Polo serving as the Secretary-Rules Editor for more than three decades. A historian of the game she maintained extensive archives of international and domestic competition. In 2010 the Barbara Kalbus Distinguished Volunteer Award was established by USA Water Polo, recognizing those in the sport that have gone above and beyond in volunteer service to the sport.

"Barbara Kalbus was the backbone of national water polo in the USA for decades," said Christopher Ramsey, CEO of USA Water Polo. "She served multiple generations of athletes, from her signature fastidious work at scoring tables to her role as team leader for our men's national team program. She was also a water polo historian, and she recorded the story of our sport for 50 years. Her selflessness and common sense were on display every weekend, always on a pool deck doing what was needed. From international competition to NCAA tournaments to high school and age group water polo, no activity was too small for her to lend assistance. She was a remarkable woman, whose work consistently stood for excellence, commitment and opportunity, and whose legacy runs broad and deep."

Our thoughts and prayers are with and friends and family, she will be missed greatly by the water polo community.

The man upstairs is now overwhelmed with an influx of water polo knowledge. RIP Dr. Barbara Kalbus. Thanks for you selfless work & attitude.